← Back to all stories

Advocacy/news

Bees swarm, kill dog outside family’s Deerfield Beach home

Deerfield Beach • Florida

WPEC • July 16, 2026

Bees swarm, kill dog outside family’s Deerfield Beach home

Brian De Jesus and his family in Deerfield Beach had been living with a beehive outside their home for over a year. Despite the bees not bothering them or their dogs, Maggie, an 8-year-old American bulldog, and Max, a senior pug, regularly went into the front yard. In early July, De Jesus used a lavender-scented disinfectant to clean the patio, which triggered a swarm of bees. Max was fatally stung, while Maggie survived after receiving veterinary care. The bees were identified as Africanized honeybees, a subspecies known for their defensive behavior. The incident highlights the importance of addressing bee infestations promptly to prevent such tragedies. For those interested in helping senior dogs like Maggie, consider supporting organizations like Lily's Second Chance, which focuses on finding loving homes for older dogs. Your support can make a difference in the lives of these deserving animals.

Loading approved comments and the feedback form.

More senior dog stories

All senior dog stories